Benjamin Harold Tant

Mr. Benjamin Harold Tant, 85, of Frog Hollow Road, Varnville, passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at his home, after a long illness. He was the husband of the late Margaruite Cooler Tant, to whom he was married for 58 years.

Funeral services will be held 11 am, Saturday, May 10, 2014 at Sandy Run Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Sandy Run Cemetery.

Born October 4, 1928 in Jasper County, he was the son of the late Carl Collis Tant and Pearl Etta Tuten. He had lots of names that he went by: Ben, Harold, BH and Hank. The name he was mostly remembered for was Papa and Papa Tant. Papa had a very strong love for his family and held a special place in his heart. He was a faithful member of Sandy Run Baptist Church, an active member of the Brotherhood, and loved his church family dearly. He retired from Westinghouse after 30 years of service. After his retirement, he was a part time carpenter. He served his country in the Air National Guard for 5 years and the National Guard Reserves for 3 years.

He loved keeping the roads “Hot”, visiting with his family until the last few weeks. He was always complaining about gas prices, but if you were ready to go, so was he. He loved going to church and giving his pastor, Paul Reid, a hard time about going over the time. He enjoyed fishing and talking about going with his sons-in-law and grandsons.

His last few words were “Yep, Yep” and “I got it, I got it.” He loved his independence and never wanted anyone to wait on him. He will be missed by his girls and his grandchildren.

Surviving are: his daughters, Diane Moseley and her husband Tommy of Varnville and Janet Kinard and her husband Wayne of Fairfax; special aunt, Corine Betts of North Carolina; sisters-in-law, Gloria DeLoach of Varnville, Reba Carroll and her husband Allen of Varnville, and Evelyn Tant of Brunson; grandchildren, Crystal Wooten and her husband Henry of Varnville, Lisa Murdaugh and her husband Linsey of Varnville, Al Kinard and his wife Becky of Barnwell, Jason Kinard and his fiancé Christina Reece of Barnwell, J.T. Moseley and his companion Robin McConnell of Hampton, and Katrina Bridges of Hampton; great grandchildren, Ashley Wooten, Tyler Wooten, Kinsley Kinard, Brianna Murdaugh, Al Kinard, III, Natalie Wooten, Aliona Kinard, Joel Murdaugh, Cassie Bridges, Jamie Bridges, Brooke Bridges, Matthew Moseley, Haley Moseley, T.J. Moseley and Zac Moseley; and great great grandchildren, Maci Lorraine Barnes and Brady Peeples. He was preceded in death by 4 brothers and 2 sisters.

The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 until 8 at THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES, VARNVILLE – HAMPTON CHAPEL, 1074 Yemassee Highway, Varnville, 803.943.5016. Visit our online condolences at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.

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